Olympus VR-340: Affordable metal-bodied long-zoom nears market

Nearing the end of its US announcements for the CES show, Olympus Imaging America Inc. took the wraps off the Olympus VR-340.

The VR-340 is quite similar to the European-market VR-360 alongside which it was announced, although that model has not so far been announced in the USA.The two cameras both share the same 16 megapixel image sensor and three-inch LCD panel, but with differing lenses, with the less expensive VR-340 providing a little less telephoto reach with a 10x optical zoom lens. The VR-360 also has a less modern 3D mode, which produces red/cyan anaglyph 3D files, instead of the files suitable for viewing on 3D-capable displays produced by its European sibling.

The Olympus VR-340 goes on sale in the USA from March 2012, priced at US$150. It will also be sold in Europe around the same time frame, priced at around €130, a €20 savings over the VR-360. More details in our Olympus VR-340 preview.

Press Release

New Olympus VR-340 Proves Beauty Is More Than Skin Deep

Slim, Stylish and Full of Features, the Olympus VR-340 Offers a Powerful 10x Zoom and Cutting-Edge Performance Inside Its Sleek Metal Casing

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., January 9, 2012 – Olympus today announces the launch of a new V Series camera that once again proves you can have an affordable, great-looking camera with advanced digital technology all packed into an exquisitely attractive slim metal casing. Whether you're out for a night on the town, a birthday dinner with friends or a weekend stroll, the Olympus VR-340's 10x super wide optical zoom lens (24-240mm equivalent*) is ready to capture and share superb close-ups and group shots of life's most important moments, like births or weddings.

The Olympus VR-340 includes all the technology you'd expect from more expensive compact cameras, including a standout 16-megapixel sensor, AF Illuminator and higher ISO for shooting in low light, designed to enhance your shots.

Add style and artistic flair to your photos with nine Magic Art Filters that work with videos and still photos alike. The new Beauty Make-up mode enhances the look of faces in your shots. Laid out like a cosmetic toolbox, it lets you apply everything from eyeliner and eye shadow to rouge for skin blemishes. You can even lift cheekbones and morph your subjects to give them a cover-model look.

A simple, one-touch button allows you to record video clips with amazing clarity in high-definition, right from your camera. With sophisticated AF tracking, you can have confidence in capturing fast moving subjects like kids & pets. Simply preview and share all of your images on the Olympus VR-340's large 3.0-inch, high-resolution LCD for proof that this camera's beauty is more than skin deep.*35mm camera equivalent.

U.S. Pricing and Availability
The Olympus VR-340 will be available in March and ships with a Camera Strap, USB Cable, USB-AC Adapter (F-2AC), Lithium-Ion Battery (LI-50B), Audio/Video Cable, Quick Start Guide, Instruction Manual and OLYMPUS [ib] Software CD-ROM and a Warranty Card.

Olympus Imaging America Inc. works collaboratively with its customers and its ultimate parent company, Olympus Corporation, to develop breakthrough technologies with revolutionary product design and functionality that enhance people's lives every day. These include: